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General Motors urban EN-V concept needs more precise GPS

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership.�EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Xiao (Laugh) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV034 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Maio (Magic) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV022 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Maio (Magic) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV021 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV002 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV001 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership.�EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Xiao (Laugh) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV029 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership.�EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Xiao (Laugh) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV030 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership.�EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Xiao (Laugh) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV031 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership.�EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Xiao (Laugh) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV032 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership.�EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Xiao (Laugh) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV038 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership.�EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Xiao (Laugh) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV039 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership.�EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Xiao (Laugh) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV040 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Maio (Magic) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV018 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Maio (Magic) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV019 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Maio (Magic) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV017 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Maio (Magic) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV023 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Maio (Magic) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV025 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Maio (Magic) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Jiao (Pride) and Xiao (Laugh). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV026 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV009 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV010 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV006 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV007 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV008 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV012 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV011 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV015 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV013 (03/24/2010)

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EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities. The Jiao (Pride) model (pictured) was unveiled today in Shanghai alongside Xiao (Laugh) and Maio (Magic). They represent three different characteristics which emphasize that future transportation can be fun. X10CO_SV014 (03/24/2010)

When General Motors revealed its trio of EN-V concepts in early 2010, they were an instant hit. The thing is, their appearance looks like they come from about 15 years in the future. This might be fitting since these autonomous, electric urban mobility vehicles that can whisk you to your destination in hands-free style need more precise GPS before they will work in the real world.

In the real world, the current GPS system – accurate to within three meters (9.8 feet) – means the EN-V is currently useless. But over the course of the next decade, more accurate GPS satellites will improve the vehicle's precision. Building a vehicle based on technology that may never see the light of day is risky, but GM seems confident. The prototype EN-V, which has been touring expos, shows and conventions, doesn't necessarily represent the production version, which GM says retain the basic features, but be "designed to be more practical for real-world use." The General is currently in talks with cities in China, South Africa and the U.S. to create an infrastructure for the vehicle, which will reportedly cost only $10,000 when it goes on sale in... the faraway future.

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"When General Motors revealed its trio of EN-V concepts in early 2010, they were an instant hit" WITH WHO?!?!?! They were and still are a laughing stock according to most. They don't need better GPS, they need to be cancelled.

It needs better GPS because Cold He-ll does not show up on current GPS. As in: it'll be a cold day in He-ll before I would even consider looking at one in person. Ugly as well He-ll and worthless as a fire hose in He-ll.

GPS will still suck in large cities where buildings block the signal. The relative position of other urban radio signals can be used to supplement GPS add a few more antennas, do some math and this problem would be solved.

Complete waste of GM's financial resources. Somebody should sh*tcan the execs in charge of this. Move the development cash into more practical high mileage efforts. 4 seat PEV with CNG fuel cell piggyback range extender. Diesel micro pickup truck al la old VW effort. Tandem highway capable small displacement commuter. like the VW concepts that will never see the road..Oh the ideas are thick out there and GM wastes money on jelly beans with wheels. Think I'll sell my stock at a loss.

Anonymous

3 Years Ago

@Edward Odenkirchen

GM put resources into saying things like this are the future so that folk look at the big SUVs and trucks and decide they aren't so bad after all, and they are happy with 15mpg since the 'future alternative' is so awful.

I'm sorry GM but I just don't see a practical use for the EN-V. As a on road car it would be terrible. One good bump at full speed and you're rolling head over heals. Sitting in this little shoe box and driving 30 miles to next city is not a pleasant thought. Granted it's amazing and cool but not having a killer app. is going to doom this car to the expensive novelty market.

Can you imagine how much energy must get devoted to stabilizing an upright vehicle with zero wheelbase? Likely it would require resurfacing almost every road it is driven on so that more level surfaces can keep the gyros or whatever stabilization technology from ******* the batteries dry just to keep it from being an e-ticket ride at Disney.

skierpage: I used to work with some of the Segway developers (Segway developed the leveling mechanism for the EN-V). They assured me that the balancing system used massive amount of juice all the time. There is no reason for it on a passenger vehicle. Its just a waste of energy. Even GM has to know that a balancing makes no sense on anything other than a concept car. I suspect that the only reason that these concept EN-Vs was that Toyota's personal transport concept had a balancing system and GM had to out do them. http://www.newlaunches.com/archives/toyota_unveils_robotic_personal_transport_unit.php Toyota also has a walking pod-car call the iFoot. They built them for the World Expo, but were smart enough to know that they would make horrible production vehicles.

Once the EN-V is in motion, I think continuous adjustment of the power/torque supplied to each wheel would only consume a small fraction more energy than supplying constant power. Batteries and motors are ideally suited to the task.